Persian

The
Persian cat breed, probably the most well-known. iconic, and easily recognized cat
breed. Persian kittens are available in a veritable rainbow of colors and patterns.

Persian kittens with the colorpoint ("Siamese") pattern
are usually called Himalayans. Individuals looking for this pattern
are encouraged to consult the Himalayan
breeders' list as well. In GCCF, the Persian is known as the Longhair,
and the Himalayan is known as the Colorpoint Longhair.The
British standard calls for a more moderate face type than the
typical American-style Persian.

Solid chocolate and solid lavender Persians are
known the Kashmir in CFF. It is still called Kashmir
in some older cat breed books. CFF also makes a distinction between
the Persian and thePekefaced Persian. A Pekefaced Persian
is a Persian with an extreme flat face, like that of a Pekingese
dog.

Some breeders describe their Persians as a doll-faced Persian,
which means that they have a more moderate face type than the
flatter-faced show-type Persian.

The Persian breed
are one of the oldest established breeds, with documentation in
their native land dating back to the early 1500s. Early examples
of the breed were among participants in 1871 in England and were
among the first cats registered with CFA when that association
began in 1909.

The Persian personality a docile, gentle, affectionate
cat, excellently suited for an indoor life. Although placid, they are playful in their own way.

Many Persian cats carry the colorpoint (Himalayan) coat pattern trait but do not show it themselves, which is referred to as a "CPC" (colorpoint carrier). This distinction is irrelevant to a Persian pet buyer, but important knowledge for a Persian/Himalayan breeder.

Persians' long hair mats easily. Extensive daily
grooming is required, at least 10-15 minutes per day, with a thorough
one-hour grooming session weekly to keep the coat in good condition.

Interesting fact: The Persian breed is the most
popular breed of cat, and perhaps the most recognizeable. Although
many people cannot name more than a few cat breeds, almost all
of them will be able to name the Persian. There are so many Persians
in the show hall that in many associations, color classes (solid,
tabby, silver, etc) are treated as separate breeds for judging.
Annual registrations of Persian kittens of a single color often
outnumber the kitten registrations of entire breeds.